“I’ve followed the Bundesliga and already had an impression of the club,” Hjulmand said. “After speaking with manager Christian Heidel I was convinced and surprised at how perfect the club philosophy fit me. This change to Mainz is a decision made from the heart.”

Hjulmand will be able to lean on some Danish support when he makes the move south. Niki Zimling is on the club’s books and long-time Mainz stalwart Bo Svensson is expected to become a coach next season after playing over 100 games for the club.

Hjulmand will become just the fourth Dane to ever coach a team in the Bundesliga, following in the footsteps of Søren Lerby (1991-92 in Bayern Munich), Morten Olsen (1993-95 in FC Cologne) and Frank Arnesen (one game in 2011 in Hamburg SV).